Chapters The twinkling lights of Manehattan cast down onto dark roads with a harsh yellow. ‘Hidden Hoof Hangout’ crudely carved into what seemed like ancient wood, chained over a glass door that welcomed all into its cozy setting. Looking through the glass, Flurry’s magic tugged at the jacket concealing her wings, the overwhelming feeling reminding her of just how unwelcoming she felt. Maybe that was the problem: nothing ever felt welcoming, the feeling of a lost home, and a deep yearning for connection.
“Heading inside?” Blue eyes locked together as violet hair seemed to beckon Flurry further into the door.
“Yes! This is the open game night, right?-”
“You're in the right place. I’m Dia, one of the hosts,” despite the shorter stature of the light pink pony; she seemed to command the room's attention. Eyes tracked her as she strode into the cafe and looked between the tables filled with board games. “I haven’t seen you inside yet. You were here last month as well, but I never saw you come in. Why don’t you join me; I brought one of my favorites tonight.”
Flurry couldn’t rip her eyes away as she sheepishly followed behind, the warmth of her embarrassment filling her cheeks. “Oh! Gale, my name is Gale. I had come pretty late last time and did not want to interrupt… I am sorry, what game did you bring?” Scooting into the table her long legs attempted to hide away, as a small board was unearthed and filled the table. A map of downtown neatly printed onto its surface, each area marked with corresponding colors and several stacks of cards were homed in the center. “...Is this- I am sorry, is this a Manehattan Monop-pony?”
Firm pools met her eyes and she softened, the passion in Dia enough to inform her of what was to come next. Taking a deep breath, a smile and calm took over Flurry, as a laugh tore from the pink pony. “You are damn right it is. Limited edition from the city itself! And hold your hay because that's not all: BEHOLD!” The smile turned inward as not only did Flurry see the aloof exterior crack but below it, and in the hoof extended, shone a bright gold heart. “It's the one and only: CRYSTAL HEART EDITION. I bid so high for this game and I’m going to use it. You are familiar, I’m going to assume yes. We play with free parking, jail for triple doubles, and auctions start at $100.”
Hours passed with ponies filtering through the cafe, joining into the game only to fold to the formidable Dia. Yet no matter how beaten they were, each still left with a grin firm on their face. Though usually caged and reserved, Flurry found herself magnetized into the false calloused nature that sat in front of her. This is what she left for: ponies un-afraid of themselves. “Hey, Gale. Hate to love this but, that's it you’re bankrupt again.” Looking down at her last card she found not an ounce of shame but a sense of dread as the night came closing around her.
“So you appear to be right…” she trailed off as the clock on the wall made clear, this was the last game of the night. The shop had cleared out and only a few hosts stuck behind to clean up, their game being the last one going. “I would love to stay and he-”
“No.”
Flurry felt her comfort fall away as the two letters slap her before the thought could even finish. Scrambling, she mumbled a soft apology as her legs tried to work free of the table. The bright colored note slid her way though; froze her mid exit. “We have to lock up and only those approved can stay. I did enjoy the night with you. You put up some mad fight there and I think with some more practice you could be A tier.” The locked up knot in her throat refused to clear as she took the note and tucked it away before looking at it. As she went to the exit she felt her heart flutter with Dia’s last words calling out to her:
“Call me.”
Author's Note
Indents highly recommended.
Chapter 2: A thread through
What felt like weeks, with the hours ticking by: in reality just a few days. As Flurry stared at the phone on her wall. Surrounded by the mess of life, her failed attempts at laundry piled on the floor, the sink empty but the counters full. A failed groan rolled from her lips as she walked away once more: focusing again on her work. Finding something was harder than she had initially expected, anything in person was off the table. After all, just one slip with her wings and everything would crumble down. A simple job at home worked instead, not just to hide her: but to isolate her. The tale of the missing princess would never make it to the headlines. No.
Her deadbeat father would never let that happen. Of course, they had many ways to hide it. In the days and weeks after she left, the rollercoaster of emotions had consumed her. No missing posters, no radio shows looking into the scoop, and worst of all-
Not even one month away and Flurry had to meet herself eye to eye. A simple poster for a crystal gala plastered the streets, and in it a photo of her family. Her mother and father were there but she was across the kingdom and yet there she was standing proudly next to her mother. It really didn’t surprise her much but the pain it sparked certainly did. So easily replaced, pushed to the side, and the true reality of her situation had cemented over her: she truly was alone. Cut not just from her kingdom, her first home, but her whole family.
Snapping free from the thoughts, she found that once again the phone was locked into her vision. “FINE! I will. . . I will call them.”
Her horn lit up as it spun the wheel, dialing Dia’s number as the tone left Flurry frozen in place. What truly set her heart running was the calm and icy voice that came through the plastic:
The panic that set over her body as hair stood on end all across her, “how- how did you know?”
“Oh I didn’t. That’s just how I answer the phone,” the laugh on the other end broke the ice below her. Letting the chilling cold set over her whole body.
“Well that is- Unique? It is, this is Gale.”
“I recognized. Surprised it took you so long to call.”
“Life has been- busy. I was hoping to take you up on the off-”
“Coffee.”
“I am sorry?”
“Coffee. I don’t believe I stuttered. I know a place on 6th street. Why not tomorrow?”
“That sounds- that sounds nice. What time?”
“High noon. It's always the best time, you’ll see the Yak sign outside. Goodbye Gale.”
A solid tone set Flurry reeling. Dia- hung up. She had a- date? Meet up? Pity hang? Worst of all: high noon. The deep breath seemed to settle her down as she finally took in air, but in all honesty the next part still put the fear of Celetia in her. More literally than she’d like to admit. The phone's tone rang as she held firmly, eyeing the warm jacket with disapproval.
“Auntie, I um- I am sorry. I need to impose again, my wardrobe needs let us say: warmer items?”
Dropping the package off she waved goodbye to the crop and needle logo of her job, before trotting downtown towards the true end destination for the day. Stood in the lobby, the bright white coat of one of her saviors held her attention while fussing over a clothing rack. “Rarit-” Blindsided, she was cut short by the sudden force of hooves wrapping around her. Pinky had already caged her in affection as Rarity smiled, her magic lifting both of them up and into the back. Trying to make sense of Pinky’s bubbling words was a foal's errand, rather Flurry focused on Rarity.
“Thank you. I know this is short notice. I just did not know-”
“Hush! Now I don’t mind at all. If anything this was a great excuse to come visit. Now do tell me, ‘Gale’ how is Manehattan treating you?”
“Well I am meeting someone for coffee today! My job is- well it is something.” Rarity nodded as she finally managed to peel Pinky off and move her and Flurry into a more isolated room filled with fabrics and tools.
“Everything has still been- well a lot. Has. . .”
“No. I am sorry Flurry but; I did warn you that your parents wouldn’t be looking.”
“I know… It still just helps to ask. Thank you. For everything this is-”
“Ah, ah, ah! Hold your breath and IN,” the sudden sinching of a tape measure around her chest kept her quiet as her auntie worked her magic. “You need not thank me for anything dear. At least not yet. Once we get you all ready for your date! Then you can thank me.”
“I do not even know if it is-”
“Sweet little Flurry; it is a date.” The furrowing of her brow held firm as fabric started to fly around held in the deep blue magic of Rarity.
“Okay, it is a date then. I just do not know what I am-”
“What you’re meant to do? Nothing. At least nothing unique. Talk darling, embrace yourself, and remember not-” The sinching around her wings caught a gasp, “to forget about these wings.”
Pinky was already calmed down as they all walked out of the fitting room, her new outfit on full display. Like her jacket, the deep blacks contrasted against the pale white of her fur with soft cyan accents hinting at the highlights dyed purple. “YOU LOOK WONDERFUL! Oh little Fl-” Pinky was cut off as Rarity pinned the pink mare’s muzzle shut.
“She is right though, you look fantastic. Now we will be in town for a few weeks to make sure that things are once again up to parr. After all Summer is here now, but fall is around the corner.”
“Dinner! Could we pretty please do dinner this week Fl-Gale?” Pinky’s wide and excited eyes filled Flurry with a sense of hope and clarity she had sorely been missing.
“That sounds wonderful Pinky. Only if you show me pictures of Little Cheese over the meal,” Flurry was smiling as she worked towards the door. The beaming light ahead beaconing her forward, “after all I have to make sure I am still cuter than them.”
Hearing the giggles and small talk filling the boutique as she left, really had her ready. Motivation carried her forward, each tick of her hooves on the street taking her closer to- she wasn’t sure. This emotion, this calling to what felt like danger, but she honestly knew was her finally leaving the comfort of her dark room. The past finally falling away, just a glimpse of Dia in the sun, froze Flurry to the step. All over again she could see it, standing outside a warm little shop and looking in. Everypony felt as though they belonged, like dolls on a stage. The bright light bouncing off of the white high-light in Dia’s mane casting a spell over her, the iced drinks set on the table almost like a movie scene.
“You shouldn’t stand in doorways you know,” the cold eyes of ice met hers and the sudden fight of flight kicking in was certainly not helping things. Ripping from the spot, Flurry works her way to the seat across from the earth pony. Her magic picking up the coffee as she looked it over, “right! Thank you I know I am a bit late b-”
“Nonsense. I’m glad you decided to come.”
“Th-thank you! I was excited to join you.”
“I could see that. You looked like a mouse in a trap,” her soft lips wrapped around the straw drawing in a long sip before her icey eyes lifted again, “yet here you sit.”
“Here I sit-” she struggled to find the next words to say.
“On that note, what finally got you to call?”
“Uh I. . . I really am unable to; pinpoint the reason?” Her cheeks lit up again with heat as she second guessed the cage of blue that held her in place. As her eyes once again met the pools looking into her, “you. I mean! You really intrigued me, and well I felt like we really connected.”
“I see. Now it's your turn. Go ahead and ask me something.”
“Oh yes! I have heard of this game. Dia, where are you from?”
“Simple one, I’m from Ponyville. Grew up alongside the CMC, and actually still talk to them.”
“Woah! That is so cool! Wait so…How old does that make you?”
“Ah-ah, only one question per turn. Now, what is currently bringing you happiness?”
“Happiness, that is a…a deep question…”
“Take your time,” Dia seemed pleased as she sipped her cold drink. Her eyes locked onto the struggling face of Flurry, searching her mind for anything she could sputter out.
“This. I am finding that this is bringing me happiness. I have not had much; how would you say-”
“Connection. You have not had much connection.”
“Yes…” Flurry trailed off as she found her eyes trying to pry away; to look anywhere but Dia.
“Come on. Let's get moving.”
The sudden movement as Dia ripped herself away, the slow trot easy for Flurry to catch up. “Where are we going?” she bubbled out as she grabbed both drinks on instinct; her light magic kept them close. Silence was her answer as they both trotted down the bustling street, the other ponies around them thinning out. Flurry almost ran straight into Dia as the pink pony suddenly stopped at the stoop of a tall building. With just a few button presses the doors popped open and Dia walked in, her tail seeming to suggest Flurry follow.
As they entered the large room, Dia made her way up the first flight of stairs; she turned back to face Flurry. “You know it is easy to see you grew up sheltered.” The sharpness of the statement sent a course of ice to run through Flurry as the reality of the situation finally hit her. Dia continued up the stairs and despite it all Flurry couldn’t help but follow, “following someone into a random building, without asking any questions: only a few things really lead to that. You may be sheltered, but I don’t think you're dumb. So tell me,” pausing on the fourth flight as she turned fully to view Flurry, “do you think you can’t be hurt, or is it that you don’t think others are something to be feared?”
“I I you, I did not, I mean, you-” Flurry blabbered out half coherent starts before taking a deep breath, “I am not scared of you. You help me feel…feel safe.” Dia seemed pleased as she turned around again and led both of them silently up the last few flights of stairs. The large painted sign on the wall facing them was very clear. This was the top floor, standing at above 9 stories high, and this was the way out.
Dia opened the door, as she almost mechanically propped it open with a swift hoof. The sky opened up as large clouds grazed just above their heads. Dia’s mane whipped up with the soft wind, exposing its curls to the world. “Now do be careful, I don’t have any magic or wings to save you if you fall off or blow away.” Her words rang true as Flurry took a test foot out the door only to brace against the wind. Dia’s calm and sure feet were misleading to the true wind speeds, but the cocked smile showed her pleasure as Flurry eased her way onto the rooftop. “That’s it, little filly, follow me. I like coming out here to clear my thoughts, and from the looks of it you certainly could use some clarity.”
Flurry bristled a little as she sat down close to Dia, keeping her distance from the edge as she felt her wings naturally push against her new clothes. Their attempt to catch the wind making her truly yearn for the freedom she once took for granted. The old days of flying above the crystal streets, ponies walking past her. Each little ant has its own story happening just below her, without care and without worry.
“Where are you?”
“Wh-what? Sorry I am right here.” Flurry’s hoof tapped the roof's surface gently.
“No you aren’t. Not mentally at least, that much is clear. So where does this take you?”
The pause laid heavy in the air as Flurry tried to place where she was without; well without revealing her wings, her past, god even just her family.
“It reminds me of home. Ponyville was never really windy but it; well it did always have something in the wind. Whether it was the princess of friendship learning a new lesson, or Celestial forbid a herd of breezies!” Dia chuckled as she tipped her head to the side to look over at Flurry, “it sometimes makes me think back to it all. Manehattan is busy but- back then Ponyville was even more so.”
“The Crystal Empire. I remember looking up and seeing the pegasus above me. They always seemed so far away just out of reach, caught in the winds of the Empire without a care.”
“You know I never would have pinned you to the Empire. Were you a pre-sombra pony?”
“Oh! No, no, I was actually one of the first born post-heart. I got to see all the cool stuff after the fact. No big scary black crystals save for Nightmare Night decorations. What brought you out here, from Ponyville I mean. Why the big city?”
“Honestly? For all the friendship lessons they taught, if you didn’t fit into their plan…Well you had to change. Don’t get me wrong, I was an ass as a kid. Having every adult after I changed, pick, criticize, and try to sand my edges; well it can get to you. I tried years to fit into their puzzle as best I could. I’m just abrasive, I’m proud, I grew up in a privileged position and I shared with others as much as I could. Here though,” Dia’s bright grin flashed a new feeling through Flurry. Her almost sharp teeth exposed as her eyes lit up, “no one cares if you’re a bitch. If you’re crass, as long as you are genuinely you; that’s all that matters. What did you say? That ‘I helped you feel safe’, go into that.”
“Well it is hard to put into words. I just feel like, like I can trust you? You are the one who finally invited me in.”
“What are you a vampire?”
The ensuing laughter from both of them filled the air, a small tear rolling down Dia’s check as she tried to catch her breath. “I’m sorry! That was too perfect not to take advantage. I am still happy that you took my offer,” her hoof drifted to Flurry’s leg, “not just today but last night…I know how hard fitting in can feel when you first move. When I got here it was just me. Trusting others took time. So I’m genuine when I say: thank you for letting me in too.” The soft moment was brought back to giggles as Dia mimed little fangs. Her bright and sharp smile let Flurry relax wholly, her guard falling to the wayside.
“We can both be thankful, I feel that is the best we can do. I do hope that we will be able to continue this,” her eyes widened as she caught herself, “hanging out I mean! It has been so nice getting out of my apartment and into the city more.” A soft nod was all the encouragement she needed to keep going, “I think that maybe- maybe you could show me around more? I still have not found anywhere half decent for pastries.”
Their chatter seemed to last into the night but as they took turns back and forth and the sun finally started to drift down, Dia finally stood up and headed towards the propped open door, her hoof holding the door open. Waving Flurry inside as both their manes settled down and the door latched behind them, sealing them both back into the safety of the building. “Now you may trust me a lot but, I’ll be honest here- My place is a wreck. How about we meet up again next week? I’ll pick out a good cafe for some pastries. A nice surprise huh?” With plans set it was harder than Flurry imagined to leave, her hooves dragging the entire way down as she left Dia at the doors to her apartment.
The weeks seemed to flow by as the two bathed in each other's company, growing comfortable and navigating the city. While Flurry attempted to get close, Dia always kept a fair distance. A simple meal ended too soon, hidden walkways at dusk, and Flurry's favorite; a night just out of the town. Watching the stars together had awoken her heart, not just to how life could be but to the vibrance just below the surface.
Game night finally swung back around, Flurry excitedly bouncing around her apartment. She had spent hours cleaning and organizing as Dia was planning to stay with her after the meet up. Tonight would be the night, Dia would know what she was hiding; she just had to wait. As Rarity had always said, 'you have to shine as yourself.' She was sure it was always followed with darling or another endearment. Snapped from her thoughts as a rapping of hooves sounded against her door, she breathed in calming breaths before opening the door.
Dia stood in the doorway, her presence radiating a sense of confidence. "Dia! You are a little early but come in, come in," Flurry stepped aside to allow the- "are you…are you wearing glitter??"
"Listen I know you are all dark and brooding Gale, but some of us need to SHINE."
"Oh my Celestia, I so shine! Just not as bright as you."
The pose that Dia struck melted smoothly into a strut, as she walked into the apartment. "Honestly I thought you would have a bigger place," she took in the full site. Almost sterile cleaned with only a few personal items carefully displayed. Standing in the center she pivoted around and looked at Flurry, “hey I think we should talk. Nothing bad just want to, I guess get some things out in the open.”
The freeze in the air as Flurry kicked the door closed, her heart racing despite the assurance, “s-sure! What, uh what is up?”
“I just- I think I would feel better getting some of my past out in the open. I want to be, well I want to be open with you. I want you to know that I can be vulnerable so you can be too.”
“Well you do not ha-”
“I want to! I WAS A BULLY! My name is actually Diamond, Diamond Tiara. I bullied the CMC, I belittled so many from my hometown. I was mean and cruel, but I changed. I think for the better, that is subjective though…I mean everything can be subjective really. I like me. I have friends who like me now, not just because I cause sick burns wherever I go but because I own me. I’m able to bring people together now. I made a whole club for games just to get new people in town talking to each other, I rotate it to new businesses every year to help out those smaller ponies needing a leg up. A-and I start friendships just because I like how that pony is, their vibe, the mood on them! You just make my head so foggy, it’s like I’m a filly again. My guard goes down, and everything feels brighter, I just want to make you laugh to make you smile again, so I can feel your joy radiating out!”
“Dia- I did,” Flurry paused looking at the now wild looking Dia. Her mane had fallen from its usual pristine placement, her body was low to the ground almost like she was ready for a fight. “I did not know you felt like this. I suppose that I should have seen the signs, but I have not one claimed observance…Can I- may I hug you?”
Dia looked like she had just had the wind kicked out of her, the blue in her eyes giving way to tears as a strained nod was given. The usual composed face falling into a thin veiled attempt to prevent crying out right. As soon as Flurry was close enough to raise her hooves, she swore Rainbow dash would have cried at the speed Dia had lodged herself into her arms.
The flood gates were officially broken as Dia buried her face into the pale fur of Flurry’s soft coat, deep breathing through the hiccuping whimpers. “P-please don’t hate me! I know a lot of people just don’t change but-”
“Shhhh- It is okay Dia,” white hooves gently ran their way down her pink back. Setting off shivers below her, Flurry never really had noticed just how much smaller Dia was than her. At least a solid heads worth of distance between the two, “you are okay. I know that must have taken a lot, but I am not going anywhere. Promise to you that I do not hate you, I truly find that honestly so endearing. It captures my attention with every word and pulls me deeper into you.”
“Y-you talk like such a royal,” Dia laughed against the fur fully coating her face as it stuck to the wet tracks on her cheeks.
“Well uh, since we are being open. . .”
The pull back was slow as Dia sniffed and sat down, her hoof wiping her face clean of the hot tears that had flowed like a river mere seconds ago. “Huh-! OH!”
Gradient feathers opened up from their constraints, Flurry’s face hot as she gave a deep bow. Her head level with Dia as she smiled shyly, “my name- It is not really Gale…”
“Well no fucking shit Sherlock Hooves!”
“Oh no, it actually is Flurry.”
Silence welled up to fill the space as Dia’s eyes searched her own looking for any hint of a lie. Any chance of a trick being played, “so… changeling or conspiracy?”
“Well, I mean both are true to a point. I caused a conspiracy that led to a changeling taking my spot…”
“Hot damn. . . OH CELESTIA! It's like a tv drama!! Wait, are you plotting the fall of you old kingdom?”
“No! Oh my gosh-” Flurry halted mid thought as she suddenly felt the soft lips of Dia connect with her own. The hardest part was- she didn’t want to pull back. Though at least, it seemed like she didn’t need to. Her legs buckled as she embraced the kiss, leaning fully into it as she melted into the feeling of Dia against her.
The breaking away felt like a betrayal, a harsh punishment as Dia softened in front of her. “I want to do that again.”
“Lucky you, so do I.”